Kaizer Chiefs left-back Sifiso Hlanti has expressed his feelings on coming back from a career-threatening injury that kept him out for eight months. The veteran left-footer was on action last Sunday against Stellenbosch for the first time since November 2021 when he suffered an injury during training. While the 32-year-old was out, the Soweto giants…
Kaizer Chiefs left-back Sifiso Hlanti, has expressed his feelings on coming back from a career-threatening injury that kept him out for eight months.
The veteran left-footer was on action last Sunday against Stellenbosch for the first time since November 2021 when he suffered an injury during training.
While the 32-year-old was out, the Soweto giants were for the most part utilising their right-back Reeve Frosler as a left-back as he can also play with left foot.
‘IT WAS AN HONOUR’ – HLANTI ON HIS RETURN AFTER LONG-TERM INJURY
“It was a great feeling (to be back on the field),” Hlanti said as per TimesLIVE.
“After being out for such a long time, I think it was six to seven months, it was an honour and privilege to be back on the field. It was an exciting moment and I was so happy I am finally back doing what I love.
“It was a long journey because I never thought I will be out of the game for such a long time. It was a serious injury that maybe someone else wasn’t going to be able to recover from without a positive attitude.
“The mental strength I had is what brought me back in the game. It was all about mental attitude. That is what mattered the most for me and I appreciate the person that I here at Kaizer Chiefs.”
‘IT WAS LIKE A GUN SHOT’
Hlanti went on to give thanks to his family members who supported him while recovering and says his mental strength carried him along the way.
“She (his wife) played a huge role and I think I am where I am today because of her. Coming to football itself, if you are mentally strong, you know how to deal with difficult times.
“Not that I am bigger than this game or the team itself but no one will take this recovery away from me because it was about my strong personality. It was also because of the way I approached the recovery journey.
“When you go down to the deep end, you realise you need to stand up and face those challenges. The injury happened at training. It wasn’t easy but it was about how I react and respond to it. Coach Stuart Baxter said the sound of it was like a gun shot.”
